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❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding the implementation of mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats, covering traceability, costs, animal welfare, and system integration. The response provides some clarification but deflects on cost predictions and tag provider accreditation.

AnsweredQoN 367Legislative Assembly

Asked

12 August 2025

Member

Mr Lachlan Hunter

Portfolio

Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the implementation of mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats in Western Australia, and I ask: (a) How will the implementation of Sheep eID improve traceability outcomes for Western Australian sheep producers ; (b) Is the Sheep eID system simply a digitisation of existing traceability processes, or does it introduce new capabilities; (c) In what specific ways will Sheep eID enhance biosecurity in Western Australia; (d) How will the Sheep eID system integrate with the existing Electronic National Vendor Declaration (eNVD) system for traceability; (e) Do saleyards and abattoirs in Western Australia currently accept QR codes or electronic NVDs as part of their operations; (f) What is the estimated cost burden to WA sheep producers once the current government subsidy for Sheep eID expires ; (g) Will any new fees or levies be imposed on WA sheep producers by saleyards as a result of the mandatory introduction of Sheep eID; (h) What is the estimated cost of re-tagging WA sheep in the event of an eID tag failure; (i) Has the Department undertaken any analysis or assessment of the animal welfare implications associated with the need to re-tag sheep; (j) Has any training been provided to livestock agents, abattoir staff, or saleyard personnel on the use of the new Sheep eID systems and equipment; (k) What is the current government subsidy available for Sheep eID, and when is it scheduled to expire; (l) Is it correct that from 1 July 2025, all new-season lambs will require an eID tag; (m) What are the requirements for existing sheep born prior to 1 July 2025; (n) Is it the government’s intention to mandate eID tagging for all existing sheep from 1 January 2026; (o) Given concerns about cost and animal welfare impacts of re-tagging existing sheep, why has the WA Government not considered a phased approach, such as the five-year grandfather clause introduced in New South Wales; (p) Has the Government allocated any funding for future training or education programs related to Sheep eID implementation; (q) When will the radio frequency used in WA Sheep eID tags be required to be upgraded, and has the Government considered the potential future costs this will impose on WA producers, saleyards, and abattoirs; (r) What were the requirements and standards used to assess and approve these tag providers; (s) How many tag providers have been approved for supplying eID tags in Western Australia; (t) Have these approval standards ever been reviewed or updated; and (u) Have any companies applied to become approved tag providers and been rejected: (i) If so, how many, and on what grounds were they not approved?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

16 September 2025

Responded by

Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food

Response time

9 days

(a)-(c) Electronic identification (eID) is proven to provide faster and more accurate traceability for stock movements than the visual mob-based systems which is currently used for sheep and goats in Western Australia.
eID allows for precise and rapid tracking of individual sheep and goats. This supports rapid and targeted responses to emergency disease incidents, minimising the impact of these incidents on sheep and goats and producers.
(d)-(e) Processes for using Electronic National Vendor Declarations (ENVDs) remain the same with the exception that individual eID tags need to be uploaded. ENVDs can be used by saleyards.
(f)        It is not possible to predict the cost of eID tags in the future. Prices have significantly dropped since the start of implementation.
(g)-(h) It is a matter for saleyards to determine their fees and charges. Re-tagging an animal involves the cost of the replacement eID tag.
(i)         Routine husbandry practices, including tagging, remains the responsibility of producers and downstream operators.
(j)        The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has provided on-site training to agents, abattoir and saleyard staff.
(k)       Under the WA Government’s Tag Incentive Payment scheme, a $0.75 discount per fully accredited eID is available at the point of sale for the current year-of-birth tag colour.  The current discount is available for sheep and goats born in 2025.
(l)–(n) All sheep and goats born from 1 January 2025 onward require an NLIS-accredited eID before they reach 6 months of age or prior to leaving the property of birth, whichever is earlier. Sheep and goats born before 1 January 2025 will only require an eID if they depart a property after 30 June 2026.
(o)        WA and New South Wales (along with all other jurisdictions) have endorsed the National Sheep and Goat eID Standards, which do not provide a grandfathering clause. All sheep and goats moving off a property after 1 January 2027 in New South Wales must be fitted with an eID.
(p)        The State Government has committed $21.6 million and the Commonwealth Government $4 million to assist industry in its transition.
(q)        There is no expectation that this technology will change in the near future.
(r)-(u)   A total of 5 tag companies have been accredited nationally. Integrity Systems Company, which is a subsidiary of Meat and Livestock Australia, is responsible for the accreditation of eID tags and questions regarding accreditations should be directed to them.

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